Subconjunctival hemorrhages are bright red patches on the white of the eye (bulbar conjunctiva ) that occur when a small blood vessel near the surface breaks open and bleeds. They may happen without injury, and are often first noticed when one awakens and looks in the bathroom mirror. Sudden increases in pressure such as violent sneezing or coughing can produce subconjunctival hemorrhages. These hemorrhages may also occur in people with high blood pressure or in those who take blood thinners. These hemorrhages are common in newborn infants, and they often appear as a bright red sickle-shaped hemorrhage on the white of the eye. They are thought to be caused by the relatively violent pressure changes across the length of the infant's body during delivery.
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